Print this page Electrical Power Distribution and Utilization
Bijan Ghayour, P.E.
Course Outline
This 6-hour course provides a technical basis, and an understanding of the various issues involved in the distribution and utilization of electrical power in industrial, commercial, and government facilities. The course starts with the basic criteria for the design of power systems including; the general characteristics of power systems, normal power source, alternate and back-up power sources, and services. The course then proceeds to provide detailed design and installation information about; transformers, switchgear/load center/breakers, raceway and wiring, motors and motor control centers, grounding bonding and lightning protection, and auxiliary and support systems.
Topics such as; power factor correction, neutral conductor grounding, transformer insulation ratings, basic impulse insulation levels, buck-boost transformers, space requirement for the installation of different transformers, transformer sizing, high/medium/low voltage switchgear, altitude and temperature correction factors, motor and motor control centers, raceway and wiring system criteria, adjustable speed drives, clear space requirements, indoor and outdoor hazardous locations, grounding/bonding/lightning protection, and auxiliary such as fire alarm and telecommunication centers are discussed.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning Objective
The purpose of this course is to provide the attendee with concepts, methods and procedures for the design and installation requirements of the elements of power distribution systems in industrial, commercial, and government facilities.
At the conclusion of the course the attendees will be familiar with the:
- General power system characteristics including design criteria for voltage, frequency and power factor;
- Neutral conductor grounding;
- Normal and backup power sources;
- General requirements for services;
- Transformer’s general characteristics including the voltage, current, temperature, and kVA ratings;
- Basic impulse insulation levels (BIL);
- Low and medium voltage transformers;
- Specialty transformers such as isolation, buck-boost, and k-factor transformers;
- Transformer sizing;
- Installation criteria for dry and oil-insulated transformers;
- General criteria for switchgear, load centers, and breakers;
- Ambient temperature and altitude correction factors;
- Motor controls centers and panelboards;
- Adjustable speed drives;
- Raceway criteria and wiring;
- Sizing wiring systems for energy savings;
- Clearances and guards requirements for the installation of electrical equipment;
- Different NEMA type enclosures;
- Classification of indoors and outdoors hazardous and non-hazardous locations;
- 400-Hertz distribution systems;
- Metering;
- Power factor correction capacitors;
- General criteria for grounding, bonding, and lightning protection;
- Commercial buildings grounding and bonding requirements for telecommunications; and
- Auxiliary and support systems such as; fire alarm and detection, television, and clock systems.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for electrical engineers and designer responsible for the design of electrical distribution system for industrial, commercial, institutional, and government facilities.
Benefit to Attendees
At the conclusion of the course, attendees will have a thorough knowledge of the issues and main topics associated in the electrical power distribution and utilization. The course offers many theoretical and practical guidelines in the design of electrical power distribution and utilization systems
Course Introduction
Main topics and issues involved in the design and the installation of electrical power distribution and utilization systems are discussed and explained.
Theoretical subjects such as system voltage, frequency, power factor, transformer ratings and transformer sizing considerations, derating factors, service entrance requirements, switchgear, motor control centers, variable speed drives, NEMA enclosure types, classification of hazardous areas, grounding, bonding and lightning protection are discussed.
Practical subjects such as spacing requirements for transformer installation, circuit lockout requirements, raceway/wiring design and installation criteria, temporary power and lighting wiring requirements, acceptance of wiring systems, and electrical equipment clearances and guards are also discussed.
Guidance and recommendations herein are based on national Electrical Code, industry standards and experience in existing facilities. However, projects and situations vary greatly, and sound engineering and management judgment must be exercised when applying these methods and guidelines. All available information must be considered in conjunction with this course.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Electrical Power Distribution and Utilization
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Course Summary
This course contains concepts and methods for the design and installation of electrical distribution and utilization systems in industrial, commercial, and government facilities.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
